Sergeant 1st Class Andre Rush is a renaissance man of sorts. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Buster Hagenbeck's senior enlisted aide has an imposing physical stature that rightfully places him as part of the Supe's security detail. But in addition to that and managing the Supe's domestic affairs, Rush has other traits that add dimension to his character.
The Columbus, Miss., native, is also a world-class chef, an award-winning ice sculptor and an accomplished graphic artist. One of his most ambitious ongoing projects is a special guestbook in which, along with the names and signatures of various dignitaries who visit the Supe, caricatures of those visitors are included.
Rush has created these works of art as keepsakes for the Hagenbecks since their arrival in 2006. This hobby started in 1997, when he was the aide to retired Gen. Hugh Shelton, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"I was thrilled when I saw the work he did prior to coming here," said Judy Hagenbeck, the Supe's wife. "I knew he had a very artistic background, but I didn't know how much. This is just the tip of the iceberg on his talents."
His idea started when he was noting all the individuals who had signed Shelton's guestbook, to include kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, delegates and other notables.
"Every time I saw them, I could picture what they would look like on paper," Rush said.
Rush's supervisor took notice of his artistic abilities and asked the protocol officer if Rush could draw caricatures in the guestbook. When he was denied that permission, Rush researched what kinds of products the guestbook publisher produces.
He learned the publisher had drawing paper, and asked if books could be published with drawing paper and guestbook entry paper on facing pages. When told they could, Rush had his first custom guestbook prepared for Shelton and his visitors, and filled it with colorful illustrations.
"They (the Sheltons) instantly loved it," Rush said. "People thought the books were sent out to be drawn."
The newest addition to the guestbook is an illustration of President Bush made during his third and last expected visit to West Point Dec. 9.
"(President Bush) got a kick out of his picture the other day," Rush said. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, the guests make a remark about the guestbook."
Because Rush's schedule is frequently hectic during visits by many of those he adds to the book, he often doesn't get to see the Supe's visitors in person before he draws them. He uses individual personality features, such as a college institution, character trait or a personal interest to build on what the illustration will look like. If he needs to, he researches subjects on the Internet a week or two before the visit to find biographical information or a photo to assist in the process.
"Buster loves the idea of this," Judy said. "He loves to come home and see what Sergeant Rush drew that day."
Judy likes the first illustration Rush made for them -- a rendering of Qtrs. 100 drawn during a visit by all the living past superintendents. Next to the house, Rush noted the years each superintendent took office.
She also liked the drawing he did of the first Thayer Award recipient during the Hagenbeck's tenure here -- an illustration of Col. Sylvanus Thayer scribing the name of the recipient, Tom Brokaw.
"I just thought it was really clever," Judy said. "He does his homework."
Rush uses a variety of art media to create the caricatures, to include charcoal pencil, watercolor and acrylic paint. In addition, he creates original calligraphy to add subject names and titles.
"I try to use a couple different (art media) to give some dimension to it," Rush said. "It makes it more challenging to include the charcoal pencil and watercolor in shading (the subject)."
Like many of his other abilities, Rush taught himself how to draw in high school, and learned about using different art media and shading through experimentation. Rush says he learns how to improve his drawing skills with each page he fills in the book.
"My personal favorite is probably the one I haven't done yet," Rush said. "I'm still waiting for the next challenge."
Rush is pleased that, through his hobby, he can give the Hagenbecks something special they will remember and treasure for years to come.
"I love what I do," Rush said. "I love making people happy. It's always a good thing when it puts a smile on their face."
When talking about the guestbook, Judy said, "This is so much better than a traditional guestbook.
Referring to Sgt. 1st Class Rush, she added, "It's like taking a piece of Sergeant Rush with us. He's very special to us. We're very lucky to have him."
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